The Security Activities of External Actors in Africa

Many non-African states and international organizations have a significant influence on political and economic development in sub-Saharan African states. The security-related activities of these external actors do not necessarily align with the priorities of the African states that they engage with. Their military and security activities address a range of security objectives, such as peacekeeping, counterterrorism, maritime security, and security sector reform. However, little is known about the breadth, depth, and motivations of the activities--and what is known is piecemeal and scattered. This has contributed to the limited open discussion about the extent, motivations, and effects of external actors' security activities in Africa.

The Security Activities of External Actors in Africa is the first book to map comprehensively the security-related policies, strategies, and activities of some of the major external actors in Africa, including individual states (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and international organizations (the European Union and the United Nations). This volume provides information on the policies and activities of external actors involved in Africa, including military presences, military interventions, contributions to peace operations, arms supplies, defence and security agreements, military training, other forms of military and security assistance, and the relevant economic and political relationships.

Mapping the diverse security-related activities of external actors in Africa is a first important step towards understanding Africa's evolving security environment. This book takes that step

Olawale Ismail, Head of Research, International Alert,

Elisabeth Skons, Senior Fellow, Africa Security and Governance Project, SIPRI

Dr Olawale Ismail has a strong research and publication record on security issues, especially on Africa and developing countries. His research interests include regional security mechanisms, peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction, peace operations, security sector and justice reform, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, military expenditure, and youth and political violence. Dr Ismail's current work focuses on examining the impact of external actors on security and governance processes in Africa. He previously coordinated West Africa focused-research projects at King's College London on youth vulnerability and exclusion, and on militancy and violence. He is Head of Research at International Alert

Dr Elisabeth Skons is a Senior Fellow at SIPRI and former director of the SIPRI Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme. She has worked and published extensively on these issues for over 20 years. Since early 2009, she has focused on a project on external security-related activities in sub-Saharan Africa, involving both research and support for African advocacy organizations.